2011 was good for Ferrari as a manufacturer with titles in ILMC and the Le Mans Series in LM GTE. The new F458 Italia made a very successful debut year in LM GTE Pro, although teething problems robbed them of victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2011. Ferrari will come back stronger than ever in 2012 in the FIA World Endurance Championship through customer teams such as AF Corse who almost made clean sweep in 2011.

The duel between Ferrari and Porsche through private teams has lasted for many years in GT. Last year, like last year, the battle has turned in favour of Ferrari in ILMC manufacturers, in a tightly fought contest, the title was acquired for the first year of the F458 Italia. "Taking the titles in 2011 was definitely very important," said Antonello Coletta, Director of Ferrari Customer Competition. "because they came in the 458’s first year of competition. The car definitely lived up to expectations, picking up where the F430 left off as one of the most successful cars of all time, the result of the extensive development invested in it by Ferrari. Last season saw a lot of wins in the main international GT series, with a car that did not require many changes, because the 458 Italia, from which the GT2 is derived, already boasts many technical components ideally suited to track use."

Ferrari has certainly stepped up victories in 2011, however, like Peugeot in LM P1, the Italian manufacturer failed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The F458 has had small reliability problems early in his career because in a short time, four different versions were produced (Challenge, LM GTE, GT3 and GrandAm), Antonello Coletta continues. "The car was immediately competitive to the extent that it led the GTEPRO class in the Le Mans 24 Hours almost right to the end, with over a lap in hand over the second placed car. Unfortunately, this initial lack of reliability cost it dear during the Le Mans 24 Hours, although later results proved it was indeed a winning car."

These beautiful Italian cars will be in La Sarthe in 2012 with four contenders in LM GTE Pro and five in LM GTE Am, all entered by private teams with AF Corse at the spearhead. "Unlike other manufacturers, Ferrari does not compete in the GT series with its own factory team. Instead, it relies on the experience of private teams for which it provides support through its Corse Clienti department. Therefore, winning prestigious titles like the ILMC and Le Mans Series constructors championships is something to be very proud of, because it confirms the technical supremacy of our cars and the strong links that exist between the race track and the road, a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy."

Aston Martin Racing has announced a return to GT and to be reckoned with technical developments by Porsche and Corvette hope to win in 2012. Ferrari meanwhile focused on aerodynamics, electronics and reliability this winter to come back even stronger this season with the ambition to take the title in China, but also victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans which has eluded them since 2009.

Interview by Cécile Bonardel

Photo : IMOLA (Emilia-Romagna, Italy), CIRCUIT ENZO AND DINO FERRARI, 6 HOURS IMOLA, RACE, Sunday, July 3, 2011. AF Corse give Ferrari a second consecutive title in 2011 as ILMC Manufacturer.